The 7 Secrets Series by Devdutt Pattanaik

Hindu mythology abounds with fascinating gods, goddesses and characters whose visual representations — through calendar art — are equally colourful. Hindu calendar art may seem fantastic and kitsch, but it is in fact the most democratic expression of a mythic imagery that was once restricted to temple walls and palm leaf manuscripts. These portraits of the Hindu pantheon of gods and the stories that surround them can be found on the walls and puja rooms of almost every Hindu household in India... moreHindu mythology abounds with fascinating gods, goddesses and characters whose visual representations — through calendar art — are equally colourful. Hindu calendar art may seem fantastic and kitsch, but it is in fact the most democratic expression of a mythic imagery that was once restricted to temple walls and palm leaf manuscripts. These portraits of the Hindu pantheon of gods and the stories that surround them can be found on the walls and puja rooms of almost every Hindu household in India. Rich in symbols, each image is a piece of an ancient metaphysical jigsaw puzzle. In this book, Dr Devdutt Pattanaik, India’s renowned mythologist, decodes these symbols to reveal a wisdom that has nourished India for thousands of years. less

It is significant that the stories of Vishnu rose to prominence after the rise of Buddhism. Prior to that, Hinduism was the religion of the elite-based complex rituals known as yagna and esoteric speculations captured in texts known as the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. These seemed very distant to the common man who focused on fertility rituals, worship of plants and animals and nature... moreIt is significant that the stories of Vishnu rose to prominence after the rise of Buddhism. Prior to that, Hinduism was the religion of the elite-based complex rituals known as yagna and esoteric speculations captured in texts known as the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. These seemed very distant to the common man who focused on fertility rituals, worship of plants and animals and nature. To help readers unravel the secrets of Vishnu, the chapters have been arranged as below: The first chapter focuses on how gender is used to explain fundamental metaphysical concepts integral to Hinduism. The second chapter discusses the difference between man and animal. The third and fourth chapters focus on the Devas and the Asuras, both of whom are unhappy, as one struggles with insecurity and the other with Ambition. less

Shiva, ‘the destroyer’ among the Hindu trinity (of gods), isdepicted in many contradictory manners. He is an asceticwho wears animal skin, his body smeared with ashes.Contradictory to his wild nature, he is also depicted ashaving a family, with a beautiful wife and two children.There are many more such varied representations ofShiva, the most prominent of these being the Linga andthe Nataraja... moreShiva, ‘the destroyer’ among the Hindu trinity (of gods), isdepicted in many contradictory manners. He is an asceticwho wears animal skin, his body smeared with ashes.Contradictory to his wild nature, he is also depicted ashaving a family, with a beautiful wife and two children.There are many more such varied representations ofShiva, the most prominent of these being the Linga andthe Nataraja. The author, Devdutt Pattanaik, introducesthe readers to these varied aspects and representations,and then sets about interpreting them. He explains thedifferent anomalies and conflicts in beliefs, as well as thesymbolism, rituals and reasons behind Hindu worship. less

7 Secrets Of The Goddess